Controversy prompts Bioware to expand Mass Effect 3

Shane McGlaun, 9th April 2012

I've been a fan of Mass Effect ever since the franchise started, having played and completed each one of the three games.

I've even read the books associated with the franchise and found it all quite enjoyable. However, I will say that when it came to Mass Effect 3, well, the ending wasn't quite what I had hoped for.

For example, fighting alongside the NPCs throughout the game and then suddenly they're all gone!?

Of course, I think we all hoped our favorite characters, including Shepard, would make it to the end of the war.

No, the controversial ending didn't make me mad enough to take up arms against Bioware and start signing petitions the way some people have. Still, I admit I find the idea of an expanded ending in the form of DLC (downloadable content) very appealing.

That being said, I hardly think whatever ending Bioware comes up with will satisfy some of the particularly whiny gamers out there. Nevertheless, Bioware has officially confirmed that a free download content pack adding additional cinematic scenes to the ending of Mass Effect 3 will arrive this summer. Pay particular attention here and note that Bioware and EA didn't say an alternate ending was on the way.

"We are all incredibly proud of Mass Effect 3 and the work done by Casey Hudson and team," said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder of BioWare and General Manager of EA's BioWare Label. "Since launch, we have had time to listen to the feedback from our most passionate fans and we are responding. With the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut we think we have struck a good balance in delivering the answers players are looking for while maintaining the team's artistic vision for the end of this story arc in the Mass Effect universe."

Bioware also noted that it has re-prioritized development efforts for the extended ending content. While more information on the expanded ending is coming soon, Bioware announced an additional download content pack called the Resurgence pack. The multiplayer pack - expected to go live over the next few days - is also free of charge and brings new maps, characters, weapons, and more to the mix.

Two new maps are included with Firebase Hydra and Firebase Condor. Players can also choose from several new characters and weapons, including the Asari Justicar, Batarian, Geth, and Krogan Battlemaster.

The new content pack will be available tomorrow in North America, and you can see a video teaser of the Resurgence pack below. The pack will be offered for Xbox 360 and PC gamers as well as those using the PS3. Download content will go live for gamers in Europe on April 11. The new weapons, characters, and equipment are offered as rewards inside the Reinforcement Packs.